Wrist watch strap



May 18, 1943 A. SCHWALBERG WRIST WATCH STRAP Filed March 20, 1939 lldvl'rl Ililll/ 1 I INVENTOR ABRAHAM $HWAL8EE6 Patented May 18, 1943 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE WRIST WATCH STRAP Abraham Schwalberg, Brooklyn, N. Y. Application March 20, 1939, Serial No. 262,915

16 Claims.

This invention relates to wrist watch straps and particularly to the construction of the ends thereof which are connected to a wrist watch.

Heretofore, wrist watch straps were usually constructed of two-ply material, one ply being elongated and doubled back at the'end of the strap to form an eye for connection with the watch or with the buckle usually provided upon one of the straps. The corrosive action of the acid in perspiration frequently undermined the strength of the stitching which held the plies of a strap together and after only a short period of use, the strap became frayed and unsightly. The doubled-over end of one of the plies had a certain weakness inherent in the type of leather used in the plies and for this reason the straps wore poorly. Seeking to obviate the above faults, attempts have been made to form the strap of a single thickness of relatively thick leather, skiving thin one end of the strap and doubling over this thinned end to form an eye for connection with the watch. This construction was also faulty in that the thin portion of the relatively thick leather was weakened and the eye would become disrupted either along the stitching which secured it in place or at the lateral edges thereof, the latter fault being due to the almost continual friction of the wrist watch pin disposed in the eye.

The present invention, recognizing the above faults, seeks to provide a watch strap having long wearing qualities, of pleasing appearance, and relatively inexpensive of manufacture.

Of importance is the ease with which a wrist watch strap may be connected or removed from association with a watch, and for this reason the invention also seeks to provide simple and efiicacious means for effecting these functions.

Also in keeping with the above, the invention seeks to provide a wrist watch strap in which the strap itself is made of a single ply of thick leather and the eye for connection with the watch, is formed in a thinner, yet commensurately stronger, strip of leather affixed to the strap.

The invention also contemplates the provision of a metallic fitting in the end of the strap for increasingits wearing properties.

The manner of applying the metallic fitting to the strap whereby it is hidden from view and serves either to only strengthen the strap end or to both strengthen and provide detachably securing means for the strap, also form a material part of this disclosure. I

The above and other'objects of the invention will become more clearly apparent from the fol-,

lowing description which is based on the accompanying drawing in which is illustrated forms of the invention at present preferred.

In the drawing: v I 3 Fig. 1 is a front view of a strap embodying the invention as applied to a wrist watch. 7

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, partly broken away front view of one'of the strap ends incorporating a metal fitting therein.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view thereof.

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view as taken along the line 44 of Fig. 2. Y

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 30f an alternate form of construction. 7

Fig. 6 is a face view thereof in open condition.

Fig. '7 is a View similar-to Fig. 5 showing a modified form of metal fitting.

Fig. 8 is a similar sectional view showing another application of the metal fitting. j

- Fig.9 is a front partly broken. away view of a strap end showing a modification of the structure illustrated in Fig. 2 and connected with a wrist watch of slightly different construction from that shown in Fig. l. V p

Referring now to the drawing, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 4, I have there shown a conventional form of wrist watch III. As is usual, the watch is provided with integral or removable end pins or lugs or the like. I I, saidpins serving to engage the straps I2 and I3 so that the watch may be suitably carried on the wrist of the wearer. f r

The straps I2 and I3 each comprise a length of leather, I4 of a substantial thickness. This length of leather maybemade of cowhide, reptile skins, pig skin, etc., it being the purpose of theinventionto. provide a long-wearing, sturdy, not easily frayed, yet pliable length of leather.

For connection with the pins II of the watch II], the length of leather I4 of each strap I2 and I3, is preferably provided with an eye I5 formed in a leather strip I6, doubled on itself to provide ear portions I1, each engaged against opposite faces of the length of leather, andstitched thereto asat I8. It will be noted that theieyethus formed is disposed beyond the end of the length of leather I4.

The leather strip I6 is preferably considerably thinner than the length of leather I4 to obviate undue bulkiness of the strap end and for the further reason that the space between the watch lugs or pins II and the watch case is frequently' quite narrow and will permit the passage therethrough of only quite thin leather.

It is.

desirable to employ a thin leather so formed during its preparation and having comparatively greater strength for its thickness than has a commensurately thin piece of the thick leather above mentioned. Certain kid, goat, reptile, and calf skins are suitable for this purpose.

The straps l2, 13 are provided with a metallic fitting 20. In this embodiment of the invention, the fitting is formed with a plate portion 2| engaged against one face of the strap [4 and provided with means such as the prongs 22 passing through slits 23 in the strap I4 and bent as at 24 to engage against the other face of said strap. The fitting 20 is thus effectively and securely affixed to said strap.

A metallic eye 25 is formed on the end of the fitting and disposed beyond the end of the strap I4, said eye being preferably extended laterally as at 26 so that it is substantially the length of the watch pin II.

This structure is quite advantageous and may be readily connected and disconnected from a watch, removal of the pins H being entailed. It may be desirable, however, to arrange the strap for removable association with the watch without removing the pins ll thereof, the forms of the invention shown in Figs. 5, 6, and '7 contemplating this arrangement.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the construction follows that shown in Figs. 1 through 4, but in this instance the leather strip 16 has only one ear I! stitched to the strap H, the other ear ll being capable of being opened up to expose the metal eye 25 which, in this case, is somewhat open in the form of a hook so a pin l may be snapped into and out of engagement therewith. The ear 'll is also slitted at 21 for protrusion therethrough of the prongs 22 which may then be bent to engage against the exposed face of said ear.

The structure of Fig. 7 is similar to that of Figs. and 6-, the eye 25 being omitted and the fitting serving only 'to removably hold the ear l1.

It is evident from the description of the last two forms of the invention that by simply straightening the prongs 22 and opening out the ear I l the strap. may be removed from connection with the watch. The above feature is quite desirable. because of frequent freezing of the pins in their hearings in the watch or where the pins or lugs are permanently fixed.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 the inetal insert 20 by means of its prong 22 and the, bent portion thereof 24, may be held in fixed position on the, end of the strap I4. The fitting, in this instance may be provided with one or more prongs 28 each having an end portion 29 for detachably holding the bent ear I! of the leathe'r strip to form the eye [5.

Ofttime's a watch is provided With a. central lugas shown in Fig. 9. In this case, the eye of the metallic fitting and the eye l5 of the leather strip are both notched as at 30 for accommodation of said central lug. Where a strap of the formshown in. Fig. 7 is to be applied to such a watch, it is evident that'the ey-e I5 is weakened by the provision of this notch. Hence, it becomes further apparent that the leather from which the, strip i6; is formed must be commensurately stronger for its thickness than is a similarly thin skived portion of the leather of the strap l4.

From the foregoing it is apparent a simple construction, in several forms of embodiments,

for rendering watch straps stronger, and more easily mountable and dismountable, has been provided; that the straps present a neat, trim, and appealing appearance; that the construction lends itself to further enhancing the appearance of the straps by the use of differently colored or surfaced leathers; and that there has been produced well designed straps to meet all requirements of practical use.

While there have been disclosed specific forms of the invention, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention thereto but to claim said invention as broadly as may be permitted by the state of the prior art and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A watch strap comprising a thick length of leather, a member forming an eye for connection with a wrist watch stitched to an end of said strap and comprising a short relatively thin strip of leather having a tensile strength greater than that of a commensurately thin portion of said relatively thick leather, and a metallic member secured to said thick length of leather and having a metal ho'ok disposed beyond the end of said thick length of leather and within the eye formed by said mentioned strip of leather.

2. A watch strap comprising a length of leather slitted adjacent an end thereof, a metallic member positioned against one face of said length of leather and having prongs projecting through said slits, the projecting portions of said prongs being bent to engage the other face of said length of leather, a hook for connection with a wrist watch formed on said metallic member and disposed beyond the mentioned end, a short strip of leather substantially thinner than said length of leather and having end. portions disposed against both faces thereof to form a cover for said metallic member and its hook, and means for securing said strip of leather to said length of leather.

3. A watch strap comprising a length of leather slitted adjacent an end thereof, a metallic member positioned against one face of said length of leather and. having prongs projecting through. said slits, the projecting portions of said prongs being bent to engage the other face of said length of leather, a hook for connection with a wrist watch formed on said metallic member and disposed beyond the mentioned end, a covering member for said metallic member comprising a short relatively thin strip of leather bent on itself to form a hook disposed about said metal eye and having portions each disposed against the opposite faces of said length of leather to cover the remai'nder'of the metallic member, and a line of stitching aiTnrin-g said covering member to said length of leather and arranged around three sides of said metallic member.

4. A watch strapcomprising a length of material having a pair ofspaced slits adjacent an end thereof, a metallic member positioned against one face of said length of leather and having prongs protruding through said slits, and a relatively thin strip of material which is shorter than said length of material and has a tensile strength greater than that of-a coimnensura-tely thin portion of said length of material, said strip having one end disposed against one face of said length ofleather and affixed thereto to cover said metal-lic member, said strip-of material being bent to form a pin engaging hook disposed beyond the end of the length of material, said bent portion havingspaced slits-in register with the previously mentioned slits and through which the protruding'portions of the mentioned prongs project, and said prongs being bent to engage against the exposed face of said bent portion of the strip to detachably hold said bent portion in eye forming position.

5 A watch strap comprising a length of material having a pair of spaced slits adjacent an end thereof, a metallic member positioned against one face of said length of material and having prongs protruding through said slits, a pin engaging hook formed on said metallic member and disposed beyond the end of said length of material, and a short, thin strip of leather having one end disposed against one face of said length of material and afiixed thereto to cover said metallic member, said strip being bent to form a covering hook for the hook of the metallic member, the bent portion of said strip having spaced slits in register with the previously mentioned slits and through which the protruding portions of the mentioned prongs project, and said prongs being bent to engage the exposed face of said bent portion of the strip to detachably hold said bent portion in eye forming position.

6. In a strap formed of a single piece of material and having a pair of spaced slits adjacent an end thereof, a metallic member disposed against one face of said piece of material and having prongs projecting through said slits, and a strip of material which is shorter and thinner than said piece of material and has a tensile strength greater than that of a commensurately thin portion of said piece, said strip positioned against said face and permanently secured thereto, said strip being bent to form an eye beyond the mentioned end and formed with a pin engaging portion parallel to the permanently secured portion, the mentioned parallel portion having slits in register with the slits in the piece of material and through which the prongs also project, and said prongs being bent to engage against the exposed face of said parallel portion of the strip to detachably hold said latter portion in eye forming position.

7. In a strap formed of a single piece of material and having a pair of spaced slits adjacent an end thereof, a metallic member disposed against one face of said piece of material and having prongs projecting through said slits, a pin engag ing hook formed on said metallic member and disposed beyond the mentioned end, and a short, thin strip of material positioned against said face and permanently secured thereto to cover said metallic member, said strip being bent to form an eye covering the hook of said metallic member and formed with a portion parallel to the permanently secured portion, the mentioned parallel portion having slits in register with the slits in the piece of material and through which the prongs also project, and said prongs being bent to engage against the exposed face of said parallel portion of the strip to detachably hold said latter portion in eye forming position.

8. An end fitting for watch straps and the like and having a short, thin covering strip comprising a flat plate, spaced prongs integrally formed on the lateral edges of said plate and adapted to pass through slits formed in the strap, and an eye formed at one end ofsaid plate, said eye extending laterally of said lateral edges and adapted for connection with a wrist watch and said prongs being adapted to detachably engage said covering stri 9. A watch strap comprising a length of leather of considerable thickness, a metallic fitting secured to an end of said length of leather, spaced aligned eyes formed on said fitting and disposed beyond the said end, a short, thin strip of leather doubled on. itself to, form a cover for saideyes and for the metallic insert, and stitching securing the-parallel ears of said doubled strip to respective faces'of said end of the length of leather, the mentioned eyes being adapted for connection with a wrist watch havinga lug disposed therebetween.

10.'The combination with a wrist watch having acentral end lug and a strap connecting pin, of .a watch strap comprising a length of leather, ametallic fitting secured to an end of said length of leather, and provided with eyes connected with said pin, said eyes being aligned and'on each side of said central lug, a short, thin strip of leather doubled on itself to form a cover for said eyes and said fitting, and stitching securing the parallel ears of said doubled strip to respective faces of said end of the length of leather, said strip of leather being formed with an opening for accommodation of the mentioned central lug.

11. A watch strap comprising a length of leather or the like, a metallic member disposed against one surface of said strap and adjacent an end thereof, prong means on said member passing through said strap intermediate its lateral edges, and a strip of leather or the like secured to the mentioned strap surface to cover said metallic member and bent to engage the other surface of said strap and to form a watch-engaging loop disposed beyond the said end of the watch strap, said prong means being adapted to pass through the said bent portion of said strip of leather and to removably hold the same in position, said strip of leather being shorter and thinner than said length of leather and having a tensile strength greater than that of a commensurately thin portion of said length of leather.

12. A watch strap comprising a length of leather or the like, a metallic member disposed against one surface of said strap and adjacent an end thereof, prong means on said member passing through said strap intermediate its lateral edges,

a watch-engaging eye formed on said metallic member and disposed beyond said mentioned strap end, and a short, thin strip of leather or the like secured to the mentioned strap surface to cover said metallic member and adapted to be bent about said eye and to be detachably held against the other surface of said strap by said prong means.

13. In a watch strap, a strap-end eye formed of a doubled-back leather strip, one leg of said strip being permanently secured to said strap, and a metallic fitting disposed between said strap and the mentioned leg and formed with means pass- 1ng through said strap and adapted to detachably engage the other leg of said strip to detachably hold the same in position against the strap, said strip being shorter and thinner than the strap to which it is secured and having a tensile strength greater than that of a commensurately thin portion of said strap.

14. A watch strap comprising a length of material provided with slits adjacent one end thereof, a short, thin strip of material bent to form two legs and an eye, said eye being disposed beyond the mentioned end and said legs being disposedmeans detachably engagedin the mentioned slits and with a hook disposed within the" eye of said strip ofmaterial for: engagement wim a Wiist watch. t r 15. In a watcn strapor the like} a length of material, a niemfiei comprising a, U-sha pd sfirip having one; leg secured to one face atone end or said length: of material and iormed apin engaging eye disposed beyond said; end-oi the length of material, a'r-fittifig d-isiios'ed Befivi'r'n the mentioned leg and said face of the Iefigth of material and completelycovered thereby,- said fitting being provided with prong meanspassing through and protruding beyondthe other face of said length of materiai, the other leg of said U -shap'ed strip being sIitified foi seba'ra'file engagement with said protruding pron-gs whereby said Watch strap isseparablyengagedwith ighe mentioned pin, said strip being shorter and thin ner than said length of material andhaving a: 2

tensile strengthen-ease? the? of a dominee- 1 6 In a Wath sna 6i the like; a Ing'tfior mafieriai a fii'en'i odfiifiiising a $1501 6} 0- sHa-ped strip hair'i 3 one leg s'eiired to one face at one end of said l'e'i'ag th' of rr'i'aterial and fornied with a pin engaging eye disposed beyond} said end of the length of manna-i, a'fit'ting disbosed be ther finfidnd' leg iil'fd Said face (if Hie iengsn of material and eompieteiy' covei edt heieby; an eye formed on said fitting and disposed within the-mentionedeye of fihe u shapedstri'p, said fitting being provided with" prong mean-s passing through and protruding beyond the other f-ace of" said length ofinateria-li the other leg of said U-shap'e'd; strip being sli'i'ited for sefiarable' engagement with said protruding prongs whereby said Watchstrapis sefia'rab'ly engaged with the mentioned pin.

ABBA AM scHwALBEm 

